Best Autumn Hikes in Armenia

Ask Armenian hikers about their favourite season and many will say autumn. The summer heat is gone, the air is clear, and from late September the forests of the north and south turn gold, orange and red. The weather is usually more stable than in spring, and the trails are quieter than in July. Here are our favourite autumn routes and some advice to make the most of the season.

When do the leaves change in Armenia?

Timing depends on altitude and region, but as a rough guide:

• Late September: the first yellow at higher elevations and on alpine meadows.
• Early to mid-October: peak colours in the forests of Tavush (Dilijan, Ijevan) and Lori.
• Mid to late October: colours move down into lower valleys and gorges, including Garni and the forests of Syunik and Vayots Dzor.
• November: the last leaves in the warmest southern gorges, while the high mountains already have snow.

Every year is a little different, so follow recent photos from clubs and other hikers.

1. Dilijan National Park: Lake Parz to Gosh (Tavush)

The classic autumn hike. The marked trail from Lake Parz to the village of Gosh runs through beech, oak and hornbeam forest that glows in October. At the end you reach the 12th-century Goshavank monastery.

• Difficulty: easy to moderate, about 3 to 4 hours one way.
• Tip: combine it with a visit to Haghartsin monastery, also hidden in the Dilijan forests.

2. Lastiver (Tavush)

Near Yenokavan, a forest path descends to the Khachaghbyur River, a small waterfall and caves with ancient carvings. In autumn the whole valley is carpeted with leaves.

• Difficulty: easy, 2 to 3 hours round trip, with a steady climb back.
• Tip: after rain the path is slippery. Shoes with a good grip and trekking poles help.

3. Garni Gorge and Havuts Tar (Kotayk)

Less than an hour from Yerevan, the gorge of the Azat River with its basalt "Symphony of Stones" is pleasant to walk in autumn, when the summer heat has gone. Climb to the ruins of Havuts Tar monastery for views over the gorge and the edge of the Khosrov Forest reserve.

• Difficulty: easy to moderate, a half-day walk.
• Tip: late October often brings warm days and colourful trees along the river.

4. Smbataberd and Tsakhats Kar (Vayots Dzor)

In autumn the hills of the Yeghegis valley turn golden-brown, and the light is soft all day. The trail between the Smbataberd fortress and Tsakhats Kar monastery offers wide views and very few people.

• Difficulty: moderate, about 3 to 4 hours round trip.
• Tip: the region is drier and sunnier than the north, a good choice if the forecast for Tavush is rainy.

5. Jermuk forests and waterfall (Vayots Dzor)

The spa town of Jermuk sits in a forested gorge at about 2,000 m. Autumn walks around the town lead through colourful forest to viewpoints over the gorge and to the well-known Jermuk waterfall.

• Difficulty: easy, with routes of different lengths.
• Tip: at this altitude mornings are cold in October, so bring a warm jacket and hat.

6. Around Tatev: Vorotan Gorge and Old Khot (Syunik)

The deep Vorotan gorge below Tatev monastery is spectacular in autumn. Trails lead down to the natural stone bridge known as Satan's Bridge, with its mineral springs, and to the abandoned village of Old Khot, where stone houses cling to the slope.

• Difficulty: moderate to hard, depending on the route: the gorge is deep and the climbs back are steep.
• Tip: Syunik is far from Yerevan, so plan a weekend or join a club trip with transport.

7. Mount Armaghan (Gegham Mountains)

For a summit with a view, Mount Armaghan (2,829 m), an extinct volcano on the eastern edge of the Gegham mountains near Lake Sevan, hides a small crater lake at the top. In early autumn the slopes are golden, and on clear days you can see Lake Sevan below.

• Difficulty: moderate.
• Tip: go in September or early October, before the first snow, and watch the wind on the open summit.

Autumn hiking tips

Daylight is short

In October the sun sets at around half past six in the evening, and by November it is dark before six. Start early, plan the hike with a time buffer and always carry a headlamp.

Mornings are cold, afternoons are warm

A day can start near freezing in the mountains and reach 20 °C by lunchtime. Dress in layers: base layer, fleece and windproof jacket, plus hat and gloves for the morning. Our day hike packing checklist has a full list for autumn.

Wet leaves and mud

Fallen leaves hide stones and roots, and they are slippery after rain. Shoes with a deep tread and trekking poles make descents much safer.

Snow in the high mountains

From October, snow can fall above 2,500–3,000 m at any time. High routes such as Mount Aragats quickly become winter routes. Check the forecast and road conditions before you go.

Safety basics

Tell someone your plan, carry enough water and remember that the emergency number in Armenia is 112. Our hiking safety guide covers weather, water and what to do in an emergency.

Join an autumn hike

Autumn is a busy season for local hiking clubs, with forest walks, monastery hikes and photo trips almost every weekend. Browse the upcoming hikes or explore the hiking clubs to find one that suits you. And if you are new to hiking, start with our list of the best hikes in Armenia for beginners.